SIGHTINGS of saltwater crocodiles may seem common in Sabah, though in some areas such as Pom-Pom Island in Semporna, the reptiles have not been seen in a decade.
However, it was recently reported that there have been sightings of saltwater crocodiles in the waters off the island, with beachgoers, including snorkellers and divers warned to be cautious.
Is it true that there have been sightings of saltwater crocodiles near Pom-Pom Island in Semporna?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) director Robin Philippo, who is based on Pom-Pom Island, said his team had spotted a crocodile on the island and that the reptile had been lingering at sea in the area over the past two days.
“On two separate occasions in the last two days, we have spotted a saltwater crocodile on Pom-Pom.
“Please be advised for extra safety measures for your snorkellers. The Sabah Wildlife Department has been notified and we are working together on a capture-and-release programme,” he said.
Philippo said the discovery was first made by TRACC assistant manager Aqbar William during a turtle walk in search of eggs for relocation purposes.
“This was the first sighting of the crocodile. Yesterday, on the north-eastern side of the island during the day and on the south-western side during the turtle walk at night,” he said.
“We assume it is the same crocodile due to its size and description. However, it’s hard to determine as there was no footage taken of the first interaction by one of our volunteers in the afternoon,” he said.
Asked if it was common for saltwater crocodiles to be found at Pom-Pom Island, Philippo said that to his knowledge, there had not been a sighting in the past 10 years that he has been based on the island.
“The only other incident I’ve heard about is on Mataking Island a couple of years ago,” he said.
Mataking and Pom-Pom are less than 10km apart.
Sabah Wildlife Department officials are looking into the report.
